Lower intake vs Ring Job

[Ross-N-Chicago]

OK, just got oil changed about 750 miles ago and am adding second quart of Mobil 1 10-30. There isn't a drop on the ground but my valve covers seep slightly and we all know what the lower intake gaskets do. Have added a little coolant lately. I just received valve, upper and intake gaskets from FPN to repair but wonder if worn rings cause this too? I don't blow blue smoke. At initial day's start up (or after sitting a few hours) I get a cough of white-ish smoke and then it disappears. I know I don't blow blue smoke on the road. Check oil light doesn't come on either. You guys got opinions? Or is it time to say hello to rebuild at 195K. She still runs great.

 

[Anime]

Originally posted by rossneag
my valve covers seep slightly

I just received valve, upper and intake gaskets from FPN to repair

There you go. I'm not sure if it was a TSB or what, but I know a few people with the 4.0 (even in Rangers) who have had to replace valve cover gaskets to solve this.
(Unfortunately for one of them, he had the dealer do the work and they reinstalled the valve covers upside down when they did it!!!)

I'm not saying it couldn't be something else or the other gaskets, but since you say theres no blue smoke or oil leaking anywhere else, I would replace those first and see if thats the fix.

 

[Ross-N-Chicago]

I cracked two heads at the end of 99 and had it rebuilt so my guess is its the lower gasket that seems to work its way loose from all the posts Ive seen. I'd rather replace it and torque it down along with the valve cover gaskets and truly see if this is the problem. If not, I know Ill need a rebuild.